Latest news with #HMCR
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘It was on its way out': Huntsville bridge collapses months before repairs would have started
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Construction crews were out and working on the Aldridge Creek Greenway Wednesday after a bridge collapsed along the trail Tuesday morning. The trestle bridge collapsed, dropping two rail cars into the creek below. Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCR) said no one was injured and the train cars were not carrying any hazardous materials. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. The Aldridge Creek Greenway is a popular spot for people across the Tennessee Valley to enjoy various outdoor activities. Some runners, like Abraham Flores, said they were not aware of the trestle bridge collapse until they encountered roadblocks from construction crews along the trail Wednesday. 'I was just running on the trail. I parked at Challenger, running down it. And I noticed it was closed off, and I was really confused,' Flores said. 'I thought about going around it, but I was like, I think there's a reason.' That reason is that greenway space surrounding the bridge is closed to the public due to an ongoing federal investigation into the collapse, along with keeping trail users safe. Holly Weber grew up near the creek and said the bridge has been deteriorating for quite some time, saying the weather was a large factor in its structural integrity. Only on News 19: Family shares experience with daughter's rare genetic disorder 'I couldn't believe it finally came down. It looked like it was on its way out, but it kind of sucks to see it go,' Weber said. 'The wood was in bad shape. The creek floods a lot, so over the years, there was a lot of water damage to it.' Governor Ivey awarded the HMCR a $1 million grant in 2024, dedicated to repairing railroads, including the Aldridge Creek bridge. In a press release from The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Ivey speaks of the railroad's industrial importance. 'The Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority has been an important short-line railroad that for years has dutifully served multiple industries. I am pleased to announce this funding for the upgrades that will help the rail system continue providing vital service for area industries for years to come.' Governor Kay Ivey Mark Lumb with the HMCR said those funds will be available in October, and repairs to the bridge and railroad could start around then. Although there is no start date or plan in place without the funding. Those repairs will now take several months and could cost more than the grant. The greenway area surrounding the bridge will be closed while the investigation continues, and will likely remain closed after its completion for repairs. It is unclear if industries that receive materials due to this train's operation will be impacted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Employment and unemployment in Scotland rise at same time, figures show
Scotland's employment and unemployment rates have both increased, according to the latest figures. The estimated unemployment rate in Scotland for those aged 16 to 64 was 4.2% from December 2024 to February 2025, up 0.3% from the previous quarter. The overall UK rate is 4.4%. At the same time, the nation's employment rate rose by 0.2% to 74.3%, the Office for National Statistics found. That fell below the UK rate of 75.1%. The estimated economic activity rate in Scotland was down 0.5% in that period to 22.4%. The same figure for the whole of the UK stood at 21.4%. Meanwhile, figures from HMCR's pay as you earn (PAYE) system for March show a decrease in the number of payrolled employed of 0.4% in March, compared to the same time the year before. This compared to a 0.2% decrease across the UK. The early, seasonally adjusted estimates also show that wages in Scotland rose by 5.3% over that time to £2,508 a month. In England, wages grew by 4.8%. The claimant count also rose by 3.6% over the past year. The claimant count unemployment rate in March 2025 was 3.8%, compared with 4.7% for the UK as a whole. Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, said work must be done to build a more resilient economy in Scotland. She said: 'These figures indicate that Scotland's unemployment rate remains relatively low despite a challenging economic environment. 'However, difficulties persist for those who are economically inactive. 'With the world changing around us, the UK Government needs to change, too, by revisiting its budget and taking action to create jobs and unleash Scotland's economic potential. 'The UK Government can boost growth by pursuing closer trade ties with the European Union and reversing the decision to raise employers' national insurance contributions. 'To build a more resilient economy, the First Minister and I are working with business leaders to develop measures which create jobs and drive growth. 'These will be included in our forthcoming programme for government, which publishes on May 6.' Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'It is encouraging to see wages growing in Scotland but concerning that our economic inactivity rate remains higher than the rest of the UK, and underlines why both of Scotland's Governments need to step up to support more people into work. 'Through the UK Government's plan for change, we are working to kick-start economic growth, create jobs and put more money in people's pockets. 'We're ensuring jobs will be better paid, more secure and have better conditions – this month's increase to the national minimum wage, means a well-deserved pay rise for up to 220,000 Scots, alongside the biggest improvements to workers' rights in a generation through our Employment Rights Bill.' Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Employment and unemployment in Scotland rise at same time, figures show
Scotland's employment and unemployment rates have both increased, according to the latest figures. The estimated unemployment rate in Scotland for those aged 16 to 64 was 4.2% from December 2024 to February 2025, up 0.3% from the previous quarter. The overall UK rate is 4.4%. At the same time, the nation's employment rate rose by 0.2% to 74.3%, the Office for National Statistics found. That fell below the UK rate of 75.1%. The estimated economic activity rate in Scotland was down 0.5% in that period to 22.4%. The same figure for the whole of the UK stood at 21.4%. Meanwhile, figures from HMCR's pay as you earn (PAYE) system for March show a decrease in the number of payrolled employed of 0.4% in March, compared to the same time the year before. This compared to a 0.2% decrease across the UK. The early, seasonally adjusted estimates also show that wages in Scotland rose by 5.3% over that time to £2,508 a month. In England, wages grew by 4.8%. The claimant count also rose by 3.6% over the past year. The claimant count unemployment rate in March 2025 was 3.8%, compared with 4.7% for the UK as a whole. Kate Forbes, the Deputy First Minister, said work must be done to build a more resilient economy in Scotland. She said: 'These figures indicate that Scotland's unemployment rate remains relatively low despite a challenging economic environment. 'However, difficulties persist for those who are economically inactive. 'With the world changing around us, the UK Government needs to change, too, by revisiting its budget and taking action to create jobs and unleash Scotland's economic potential. 'The UK Government can boost growth by pursuing closer trade ties with the European Union and reversing the decision to raise employers' national insurance contributions. 'To build a more resilient economy, the First Minister and I are working with business leaders to develop measures which create jobs and drive growth. 'These will be included in our forthcoming programme for government, which publishes on May 6.' The UK Government has been approached for comment.
